Arizona State University has announced it will be adding programs on Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance to the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law’s Indian Legal Program.
They will comprise the nation’s first law programs on Indian gaming and tribal self-governance. Founders and directors will be Ann MarieBledsoe Downes and Lawrence Roberts. The former is a member of the Winnebago tribe of Nebraska, the latter a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin.
Roberts said in a statement: “We want to make sure that a student who graduates from here is well equipped to do the jobs for tribes.” Bledsoe Downes said they both want to create advisory committees for the programs with members from Arizona’s tribes.
“There’s an interest in tribes in exercising broader sovereignty to protect their communities,” said Roberts. “Our program will constantly be evolving to make sure that our courses reflect evolving trends in tribal self-governance.”
He added it’s surprising such a program hasn’t been started elsewhere, given how prevalent and influential tribal gaming is. “Some of the most successful tribes, both in Indian gaming and tribal self-governance, are Arizona tribes like Gila River, Ak-Chin and Salt River. They’ve been leaders in both of these areas,” he said.
